DOT Inspection Preparedness

May 29, 2023

How Can I Be Prepared For Unexpected DOT Inspections?

DOT Inspections are a part of truck driver’s everyday life on the road. You will hear frequently that a driver was pulled over for an inspection by a state trooper either on a weigh station, Port of Entry, or on the side of the road. For this blog, we are going to talk about everything you need to know to pass your inspection with flying colors. So, let’s get started.

Key Information

Dot inspections can happen anywhere, anytime.
Only a certified DOT inspector has the right to inspect your truck
The commercial vehicle safety alliance (CVSA) is responsible for establishing and disseminating roadside inspection procedures and out-of-service procedures.
3-4 million inspections are conducted annually
The inspections last 15-60 minutes (depending on the thoroughness of the inspections).
The inspector can enforce actions on you such as violations, warnings, citations, and fines.
There are VII-levels of inspections.

What Will The Inspector Check For?

If the inspector is thorough, he or she will ask for the following. Make sure to get all these documents organized so that the inspector does not have a hard time. Usually, you will pass an inspection much easier if everything is organized even if you have an issue that might result in a violation.

Required Documentation

What The Inspector Will Check On Your CMV

There are 7- levels of inspections, as follows

Level 1 — North American Standard Inspection- Full inspection of the driver and vehicle. Everything you can think about an inspector can inspect and more
Level 2— Walk-Around Vehicle and driver Inspection. Pretty much the same as Level 1 except for brake inspection
Level 3 — Driver-Credential Inspection. Pretty simple, just a check of your documentation
Level 4 — Special Inspections- Farm vehicle/Special study. Usually done to verify or refute a trend
Level 5 — Vehicle-Only Inspection. This inspection can be done in the driver’s absence as well as with the driver
Level 6 — Enhanced NAS Inspection for Radioactive Shipments. The inspection for radioactive shipments is as thorough as the level 1 inspections with added thoroughness for radioactive material
Level 7 — Jurisdiction Mandated Inspection

Now that you know all the levels of inspections, we are going to focus on the level I inspection. Level I is the most difficult inspection to get through. So, for your ease of mind and maximum preparation, it is best to talk about this level of inspection. Another great thing about the level I inspection is that you will get a CVSA decal on your truck displaying that you have passed a level I DOT inspection and exclude you from receiving another level I inspection in the next 90 days.

The DOT inspection is over, what do you do now?

You have to submit the paperwork for the roadside inspection to your motor carrier within 13 days of receiving it.
If any violations are found, the issue needs to be fixed within 15 days or before the next dispatch (whichever comes first).
Equipment will be tagged if found to be out of service. The driver cannot operate the vehicle until the issue is corrected (road service must be called to the scene of inspection).
Motor carrier certifies all violations on the report have been corrected and/or addressed with the driver.
Motor carrier maintains a copy of the inspection for 12 months.

OSS (Out of service) items: What items are the most common cause of an OOS?

Brake system – 20% of all OOS vehicles are because of the brake system
Tires – Wear and exposed areas are the most common tire problems
Lighting – Stop and turn signals
Hours of service violations (11-hour rule, 14-hour rule, false log, logbook not current)

Embrace the DOT Inspection

Although it may feel like the inspection process is set up to find something wrong with you or your vehicle, it’s actually designed to keep everyone safe, including you.

With that in mind don’t fight the inevitable. The inspection has to happen at least once every 12 months. Remaining prepared is not just good practice, it’s the safest one. Following the rules and conducting your own inspections before and after trips is a best practice that will save lives.

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